ESOL Rw/E1.2a Use basic sound-letter correspondence to sound out words

There is much evidence that phonics supports second language learning with ESOL learners at all levels. This resource is the first of a set that I use. It contains basic language information with terminology that is easy to understand, explains the code and the graphemes. It is easy to use, even if you (or your learners) have never used phonics. 

Remember to use the sound of the letter for example /a/ as in cat, not /ay/ as in pay. 

Gap-fill reading activity with food vocab for pre-Entry and Entry Level 1 ESOL. Vocab: coffee, carrots, tomatoes, spices, onions, butter. I used this in a Zoom lesson. It works well as an extra activity alongside English My Way: Shopping. (The images are all used in accordance with their Creative Commons licenses).

Editor's note
A very visual resource -ideal for absolute beginners including pre-Entry.

Update 24/2/22: written by Sharon Roberts and Alexandra Bates, both of Essex ACL. 
This is a fun activity which encourages ESOL learners to engage with digital technology and transacting online. It provides opportunity to explore vocabulary related to shopping while also discussing the advantages of shopping for food online. It can be adapted to all levels and can be extended for a longer activity if required.

Editor's note

Here are few things on cooking verbs and recipes for E1-E2 ESOL and Entry Level 1 Functional English classes. Includes reading, spelling and saying the letters of the alphabet. Includes a recipe for pancakes but useful at any time of year.

Editor's notes

Fully mapped to the new Reformed Functional English content.

This resource will help learners recognise words related to personal information. Learners will read, match, fill in the gaps and identify the number of syllables.

A-Z chart of pictures with the corresponding initial sound. I’ve tried to select pictures which Beginner ESOL adults will recognise.

The first page of this resource will help students to identify consonants and vowels, which then leads onto CVC word building and reading skills.

Pages 2 & 3 have two short texts that my students enjoyed very much. These help students practise reading and identifying the structure of CVC words. They will then be able to answer simple comprehension questions.

You may want to cut up the passages and set up a jigsaw reading activity. Can be used with lower level students.

An easy word search (downwards and across only – no diagonals of backward-spelt words). Ideal for consolidating a vocabulary lesson on things to bring to class. A first lesson warmer / homework / filler.

A straightforward word matching/writing resource for Entry 1 ESOL.

Editor’s note
Also ideal for prompting discussion about local council services.

Phonics worksheet focusing on the /i:/ sound (with an “ee” spelling) using high frequency words for low level ESOL literacy learners.

Editor’s note
Includes ‘read & spelling, spelling (in various stages) and matching words written in uppercase and lowercase.